With great honor, we at The Detroit Entrepreneur present to you our first annual 30 Under 30 list. This year, the world was faced with huge obstacles, but it did not stop these people we are going to introduce to you. It is the spirit of leadership that brings dedication, motivation, and courage to life.
It is with even greater honor to announce that our 1st 30 Under 30 campaign will be in memory of Australia Day and Rashan Johnson.
When I was 19, I struggled as a teen business owner. I lacked the resources and community to keep me standing. The Detroit Entrepreneur is the outcome of hard lessons I learned early on. My goal was to create a platform where businesses, entrepreneurs, and talents alike can connect with. I wanted to create a powerhouse of everything one with a dream might need, and I did just that.
I founded and registered the company in January of 2020, and we reached #1 in our category in less than a year. Now, we are established enough to proudly be recognized as a top online magazine, trusted brand, and be able to showcase 2020’s best.
We couldn’t have done it without our lead sponsor: Hart Dushaj Agency. It’s an honor to be partnered with Forbes’ Top Places to Work at #24. | They are hiring motivated individuals like you, apply here.
Special thanks to our supporting sponsors: COMPLEXION | Complete Dominance | A Girl Like Me | Top Notch NME | Violeta – Giovanna | Picturesque Digital Services |
Official 30 Under 30 ROSTER
Malik De’ Vonte Singleton, entrepreneur, humanitarian, and award winning leader, has taken 2020 by storm. His strength and perseverance is most admired by The Detroit Entrepreneur.
Malik is also a 2020 Entrepreneurial Excellence recipient. The impact he has made through his philanthropist work in the community cannot be described with words.
A current 4th year student at Wayne State University, Devankar Mukhi was President of the WSU Rotaract Club from 2017-2019; Rotaract is the collegiate level of Rotary International, an international humanitarian organization that provides relief in over 200 countries. Precovid Devankar started a project called Green New Detroit (GND), an environmental educational startup. Early 2021, he will be cohosting a podcast that will be focusing on having through, deep, meaningful conversations with passion game-changers around the world that are solving the toughest challenges of society.
CEO and Founder of Polished Puckers LLC, Christen Devani, was just 8 years old when she started her business. After a constant struggle with her own health and beauty needs, Christen founded a brand that would help others in her shoes. She would go on to gain statewide attention.
The undefeated Jamahal Hill continues to make Michigan proud. The sharp mixed martial artist made his UFC debut in January this year, and is just getting started.
Devaughn Ballinger is a visionary and pillar in the community. Devaughn’s autobiography entitled A Crack Baby Called Miracle recently released, and he hopes the book will encourage the next generation of visionaries and performers. The Detroit School of Arts graduate founded his dance company Believe3 in 2014, to which he serves as its lead choreographer and creative director. The company, now 6 years strong, has proven to be a dynamic force in the dance community, and was recently certified as a 501(c)(3) organization.
This business owner is well educated, well connected, and well respected. Nicknamed The Godfather of Detroit, D’ Andre J. Herron is most known for his business, community, and entertainment endeavors.
He is the owner of ERD Technology, LLC, 58 Homes 58 Families (Non Profit) and an affiliate of his brother’s music label: Seldom Seen Entertainment.
Netflix welcomed its first Iraqi – Arabic dialogue Hollywood film, Mosul, in November this year. Mohimen Mahbuba, Dearborn native and Iraqi-American, starred in the film as a supporting role.
Mosul is based on a true story that took place during 2016’s Battle of Mosul.
Brianna “Bosslady” Washington, is a multimedia Journalist, radio personality, host, and entrepreneur. she works for the #1 hip-hop radio station in Central Texas as an entertainment reporter and personality while also co-owning and operating the only black-owned women’s boutique in downtown Frankfort, KY.
“Thus far, some of my most significant accomplishments include giving local artists the platform to get their music discovered, supplying jobs and entrepreneurship tips for students at my Alma Mater, and curating women empowerment events for the TX community,” she tells us.
Keyon Clinton is not a statistic. After graduating from Michigan State University, he knew that he had a bigger calling in life. Once he retired his career as an engineer at 28, Keyon pursued true calling in life: impacting others. Keyon is an advocate for execution who delivers life
changing messages through his worldwide message of becoming 1% Better every day. This led him to becoming an award-winning International Speaker. Sharing his story to inspire others has also led him to becoming a Best-Selling Author of Healing The Living Dead “Habits that shift you from a Morgue mentality to a Forbes mentality”. Keyon became a two-time award-winning bodybuilder and created the 1% Better Nation …
Noah’s Lemonade became a household name since he began making lemonade with his grandpa since he was only four years old.
He’s a multi award winning kid entrepreneur, and this is yet another one of his wins. In the future, he plans on attending Harvard University to become a Astrophycisist. The star has been featured in media nationwide.
Derrick Mayes Jr., CEO of Mayes Marketing, is originally from Detroit, MI. In 2019, he started Mayes Marketing Agency as a freshman in college, all while he was attending North Central College double majoring in Business Management and Marketing.
He has now implemented a music side that consists of Public Relations (PR) services. Slowly emerging into a media powerhouse himself, Mayes is excited for 2021.
Bri Makaric of BRITE Bites founded the holy grail of probiotic nutrition. With the help of Michigan State University, she started her own company and nutritious BRITE Bites.
Michael Conley aka Tailored Ankles, is a dapper stylist. Featured in Walk Fashion Show Magazine and Seen Magazine, it’s safe to say he leaves an impression. His nickname “Tailored Ankles” roots from him wearing his pants either with a cuff or tailored above the ankle to fully expose his loafers. His six years in dapper fashion lead him to join Gentlemen’s Den. “We are a culture shock to the fashion community of Detroit,” Michael tells us.
Photography @DarrienPope
Impacting Detroit in his own way, the Boston-born artist has played a key factor in music development. AYO Sk3tch topped charts, reached record numbers in his career, and is only goal up from here.
He’s been recognized on an international level, but we at The Detroit Entrepreneur still want to recognize him locally.
Chew Chewy Entertainment isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Deonte “Chewy” Cooper impacted the entertainment industry, opened doors, and played a key role in the careers of many in the music scene. His portfolio is unmatched.
Amer Bally of The Bally Team has become a familiar face and name. His high ranking success and motivation landed him in this year’s 30 Under 30 list.
Among all his awards, he is currently a top 1% Loan Officer in the nation. If you haven’t heard of Amer Bally yet, you have now.
With an incredible testimony, Torohn Yancey is a true success story. The young leader overcame homelessness, doubt, and pain, and pursued a business idea that flourished. After years of trouble during school years, he turned his destiny around and signed to play college football at Dakota College of Bottineau. His story caught media attention, and it remains an inspiration to those that are starting from the bottom.
Kyree’s Kandy Stop CEO, Kyree Johnson, has a sweet future ahead. His candy bags are filled with all your favorite treats! Kyree’s dream is to have his own candy vending machine business one day.
The Popcorn and Books CEO and reading advocate possess true passion for fighting illiteracy.
Karter Johnson continues to make an impact with his book subscription boxes and upcoming book feature.
Calvin Carey Jr. is the founder of Gentlemen’s Den, a men’s fashion & lifestyle brand based here in Detroit. The brand is emerging into a society and culture platform for black men. It’s the first of its kind and the beginning of a major impactful brand. Anticipating his future modeling agency, it’s safe to say 2021 will also be his year.
Sylvia Thomas a young emerging entrepreneur and the president of a nonprofit that has helped provide food and hygiene products for incarcerated inmates during the pandemic. She also has maintained over 10,000 foreclosures and abandon homes in the Detroit area. Sylvia owns The House of Detroit located in Royal Oak during the pandemic and has employed 5 individuals and counting. Not only has she encouraged other women to pursue their dreams in business and entrepreneurship; she has helped others start their businesses as well.
Dasia Johnson is a business owner, advocate, and coach. She has dedicated her life to providing resources and support to those dealing with mental health related issues.
Her brand, OBLIVION, recently launched, & is a product of her own personal mental health journey.
Joseph R.Tompkins is the Founder and CEO of the Coalition for Black Success and Black Success Clothing. He’s a native of Detroit, Michigan and a renowned entrepreneur. Joseph is a member of Forbes the Culture and was recently nominated to be on the 2020 & 2021 Forbes 30under30 list. He’s an eight-year veteran of the United States Army and passionate about helping people from all walks of life especially people of color. Joseph and The Black Success Movement firmly believes in hard work, persistence, and consistency. While always jumping at the opportunity to give back to the community by Hosting Events and Partnering with Businesses in the city for food/coat drives and also sponsoring events to promote Black culture and Growth. His greatest accomplishment remains been a father to his children Aiden and Ayanna, who are his daily motivation to succeed.
Mary Colon graduated from Michigan State University’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences. She majored in advertising with a minor in sales leadership, but also has coursework in videography and broadcast journalism. Mary has held positions in automotive advertising, including digital marketing for the Cadillac brand. During this, Mary balanced dancing for the Detroit Pistons Dancers for 2 seasons. Over the summer, Mary interned for The Detroit Entrepreneur, but now she works in media sales and as a brand ambassador for VADE Nutrition.
Eddy Haddad, professionally known as Eddy Mack, calls Detroit home. The artist recently celebrated 1 million streams on both Spotify and Apple Music. Currently residing in LA, we are proud to be the start of his success story.
In 2017, Christian Gojcaj joined Hart Dushaj Agency, and he is currently an internationally top ranked mid level executive. Soon to be promoted to senior executive, his dedication and drive surpasses the average leader. It makes sense, as he has been working since he was only 15 years old. Christian possesses a Bachelors in Health Science. Originally, he planned on becoming a Physicians Assistant, but left the once-dream and listened to his entrepreneurial spirit.
Founded this year, The Different Brand was launched by two teen entrepreneurs, one of them being the then 16 year old Nicholas Shammo.
Since then, the brand has evolved and continues to be an inspiration to other young, ambitious entrepreneurs.
Anthony Danno, second co-founder of The Different Brand , founded the clothing line at just 17 years old.
The message it stands for and the message he gives is what makes his brand, well, different. With more designs on the way, 2021 will be another year of growth for the co-founders.
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